LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 21: Bruce Allen, the new general manager of the Washington Redskins, looks on from the field before the game against the New York Giants at FedEx Field on December 21, 2009 in Landover, Maryland. Allen replaces Vinny Cerrato, who resigned last week. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Scarcity.

It is the fundamental framework of economics. In its simplest form, this is what economics looks like. The social science of human interaction, and the transfer of wealth through those interactions. All condensed into one word. One, eight-letter word.

Scarcity.

In a world with scarce resources, economists must weigh the opportunity costs of every decision. They must recognize the trade-offs that they face, and they must think at the margins with every decision that they encounter. Within reason.

It is for this reason that self-interest pervades in the economy, and in the National Football League as well. The desire to cement your legacy by spearheading the growth, rise, and triumph of a modern franchise. This is Bruce Allen’s desire. This is what drives the Washington Redskins team president and acting general manager. The self-interest of a man who believes himself to be a...